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CRITTER JEWEL FIRST RUN MOVIE REVIEW |
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A Dreamworks LLC and Universal Studios release. Now playing. Paws up, way up!!! Gladiator is simply a stunning movie with an equally impressive soundtrack. Although Rated R for violence, the violence is not nearly as pronounced as one might expect from this kind of movie. Indeed most of the violence is off camera, if not just off camera and implicit thanks to highly skilled camera technique and film editing. Also of note - what little violence there is portrayed involving animals, as is stated by the ending credits, "...all such sequences were entirely simulated. Handling of animal actors was at all times performed with close and careful supervision". Now for our main review, we offer a submission by our guest reviewer Joseph Maas: Maximus - "Once a Roman general, now turned into a slave who stands in defiance of Rome herself." The central character played by Russell Crow is unleashed with the kind of intelligent ferocity few modern actors are able to attain. Personally I can think of only one other, Kirk Douglas, Ala. Sparticus, who was of that caliber. While the story line of Gladiator may not be quite as sweeping as that of Sparticus, the screenplay does strike at the heart of some very deep subject matter. Questions of trust, loyalty, honor, arising from conspiracy and betrayal are both asked and answered in spectacular action sequences and dialogue that could well have been penned by Shakesphere's prodigy. Some have said that Crow's performance makes this movie, but I would say while his unswerving portrayal is certainly the main vehicle for the story's delivery, there are performances of a lifetime surrounding the central character that combine well to bring this epic to full scale. Standout performances by Connie Nielsen, Derek Jacobi and Oscar® nominee Richard Harris are among many. I was particularly pleased to see the extremely talented Djimon Hounsou (Amistad) who played the role of friend and fellow Gladiator of Maximus. It is also worth noting this was Oliver Reed's last performance as he passed away soon after the film's completion. In my opinion Reed's gripping and boisterous portrayal of a low echelon gladiator slave owner (much more like head coach to the gladiators) was his best performance by far and an exclamation point on an excellent lifelong acting career. In many ways this hundred million dollar flick redefines the word epic. With it's sweeping grandeur of what was perhaps the greatest citadel of western civilization, ancient Rome is reconstructed with seamless and breathtaking detail. Not for one second does this film hint at telltale movie making FX. From the deeply layered textures that constitute the mighty Roman Coliseum and panoramic vistas as seen from Roman hilltops overlooking the city, to the film's opening moments where professional archers and production crews reeled off 17,000 flaming arrows (30,000 in all) during the films jaw dropping battle sequence between Roman infantry and the Germanic hordes, it is evident this film is also the pinnacle achievement of director Ridly Scott who is also accredited with such landmark movies as Blade Runner and Alien. If Gladiator represents the shape of epics to come, then in coming years we are sure to be treated with masterworks that have a deep empathic effect on the movie going audience. Indeed there was not so much as a stir in the packed theater when midway though the film the young Roman emperor Commodus, escorted by full Roman guard entered the arena floor to greet the impressive unknown gladiator who had just vanquished all opponents against seemingly insurmountable odds. As the gladiator proceeds to walk away, Commodus shouts out, "How dare you turn your back on the emperor! Take off your helmet and reveal yourself now!" Then in hushed silence when the hero lifts his head gear and slowly turns, it quickly became apparent one of these two central characters had at that precise moment sealed his fate. Joseph Maas - paragon3  Now it could be your turn to be a guest movie reviewer!Just send your first run movie review to CritterPeople@CritterCards.com. If the CritterCard Staff considers it objective and well written, we will feature it on the Critter Jewel First Run Movie Review page, give you full credit and a link to your e-mail or web site if you prefer. Participate and join the Fun! |
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